Weekly Update #20, 30 January 2025

Lunar New Year Stay & Play

We invite parents of our Foundation stage children to join us for a special Lunar New Year Stay & Play. Celebrate the Year of the Horse together with your little ones on Thursday 5th February 2026, from 8:30 to 09:30 in our Foundation classrooms and Indoor Learning Centre.

Talking Heads Evening: A Year 12 Public Speaking Showcase

Join us for an evening of ideas, insight and confident voices as our Year 12 students take the stage for Talking Heads. As part of their Communication Skills course, students were challenged to develop an informative TED-style talk on a topic they are genuinely passionate about—and the result is a thoughtful, wide-ranging programme.

Expect talks exploring everything from procrastination, burnout, social comparison and mindset, to dictatorships, crime, propaganda in the age of information, and even scuba diving. Students also tackle timely questions around social media and mental health, fulfilment, and the age-old question: what do you want to be when you grow up?

Parents, students and teachers are all warmly invited to come along and support our speakers as they share their ideas with clarity, confidence and conviction.

Parent Committee Coffee Morning

The Parent Committee is inviting all parents to join a Parents Coffee Morning on Thursday 5th February from 9:15am onwards at Good Cafe Chaofah, just around the corner from HeadStart International School Chaofah City Campus. This event provides the perfect opportunity to make new friends and have the chance to meet some of our veteran HeadStart parents who can answer any questions that you may have.

Community & Crafts: Friday Market Lunar New Year Special

Transforming our atrium into a hub of celebration, next Friday’s market rings in the Lunar New Year with a showcase of local talent and festive tradition. Expect a vibrant lineup of stalls featuring traditional Chinese cuisine, handmade crafts, and seasonal home goods created by our parents and local vendors, as well as student performances. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our community creators while enjoying the sights and flavors of the holiday, so please join us on Friday 6th February to browse, eat, and celebrate the lunar new year together.

Term 2 Mandarin Language Day

There’s still time to register your family to a vibrant Mandarin Language Day event on Saturday, 7th February, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at HeadStart Cherngtalay Campus!

Event Highlights:

• Spring Festival craft activities
• Spring Festival riddle guessing
• Spring Festival Temple Fair

We kindly invite you to fill out this form so we can arrange the relevant activities for you. Thank you for your cooperation and support!

Sports Days 2026

The PE Department and all our students are excitedly preparing for this year’s Sports Days! We are looking forward to what will no doubt be an enjoyable few days, with students working hard to develop their skills across all athletics events. We look forward to seeing many of you cheering on our students during these fantastic events.

Upcoming Parent Workshops and Information Sessions

We invite parents to join us for a series of informative sessions throughout February held in the Primary Hall. These workshops are designed to provide practical support and guidance on key aspects of your child’s development and future planning. Topics include supporting university applications for Thai-speaking parents, a maths workshop for Primary parents, and an introduction to Sixth Form for our parents of our current Year 11 cohort. Please check the specific dates and topics in the graphic below to ensure you do not miss these valuable opportunities to engage with the school’s academic and pastoral programmes.

UPrep Talk 11 - Alternative Pathways and Gap Years

We invite parents of students in Years 10–13 to join our next UPrep Talk on Wednesday 4th February at 8:30 am in the Secondary Hall. This session will move beyond the traditional school-to-university route to explore the benefits of gap years, foundation courses, and apprenticeships. Our team will provide insights into how these alternatives can enhance student readiness and how they are perceived by top-tier universities.

In addition, we will host a drop-in session at Nakita’s Cafe. This provides a relaxed setting for parents to ask individual questions and receive tailored advice on supporting their child’s unique journey. We look forward to seeing you there to help facilitate confident and well-informed decision-making for our students’ futures.

Diana Zakharova - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 10

We are delighted to celebrate Diana’s university successes and to share that she has received offers to study BSc Equine Business Management at Nottingham Trent University, Anglia Ruskin University, Hartpury University, and the Royal Agricultural University. Enrolled at HeadStart since August 2022, Diana has demonstrated consistent commitment, resilience, and a clear passion for the equestrian sector.

Academically, Diana was recognised as Student of the Month for PE in February 2025, reflecting her dedication and positive attitude. Beyond the classroom, she has built an impressive profile through a wide range of extracurricular and super-curricular activities. Diana has taken part in two 24-hour swimming charity relays, performed in school dance productions, and actively pursued horse riding across show jumping and beginner-level dressage, competing both externally and in-house, achieving two first-place finishes and three clear rounds. Her practical experience is further strengthened by three weeks of volunteering at stables during the winter break, where she supported younger riders, assisted with daily operations, and developed hands-on skills, alongside two weeks of work experience at the end of Year 11. Diana’s commitment to service and leadership is also evident through her extensive volunteering, including four consecutive summers as a counsellor at a children’s summer camp, where she worked patiently and confidently with young people. She has completed the practical component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, demonstrating perseverance and a willingness to challenge herself.

Looking ahead, Diana aspires to own and run her own equestrian business, with ambitions spanning stables, horse breeding, and equestrian equipment. We congratulate Diana on her well-earned university offers and wish her every success as she takes the next step towards a future in equine business and management.

Niklas Buskies - Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 3

We are delighted to share that Niklas has received an offer to study Business Global Management at AIHM Bangkok, supported by a highly competitive 50% scholarship, reflecting his ambition, determination and strong commitment to his future goals.

During his time at HeadStart International School, Niklas has combined his academic studies with an impressive range of supercurricular and extracurricular activities. As a member of the HeadStart Football Academy, his dedication and positive attitude were recognised early on when he was awarded Student of the Month in his first week of school. Alongside his studies, including Business BTEC, Niklas has consistently demonstrated a clear entrepreneurial mindset and a growing interest in business and leadership.

Beyond the classroom, Niklas maintains a busy and balanced profile, combining football training with Muay Thai, SAT preparation, and meaningful community involvement through Sunny Side Up, where he has supported less-privileged students developing their English skills. His willingness to help others highlights his empathy, maturity and strong sense of social responsibility.

Congratulations to Niklas on this excellent offer and scholarship. We wish him every success as he prepares to take this exciting next step towards his future ambitions.

Play & Picnic Brings our Community to Life

The HeadStart Play & Picnic transformed our school grounds into a vibrant hub of connection as families and community members gathered for a joyful morning of play, connection, and shared experiences beyond the classroom.

The real magic wasn’t just the magic show — it was the feeling in the air. Under the beautiful Phuket sun, parents and children worked together to set up picnic spaces while students moved seamlessly between games, inviting friends and siblings to join in the fun with laughter trailing behind them. The spirit of togetherness reached its peak during the magic show, where the entire crowd sat side-by-side as a single, captivated audience.

In that moment, the school grounds truly felt like an extended family home, filled with a strong sense of belonging and community. Phoenix’s mum shared that this was one of the best events the school has ever hosted, saying “Our family truly enjoyed every moment of it.” And one young student summed up the morning perfectly, declaring, “I love playing games with my Mummy and Daddy.”

Throughout the event, students demonstrated what it means to be community-minded — welcoming friends, including siblings and parents in games, and sharing space, food, and laughter with others. Our first-ever Play & Picnic was a huge success, reminding us that learning and belonging grow strongest when families and community come together. We would like to thank each and every family who came to join us, your support is our success and we look forward to next year’s event with you all!

📸 A full gallery of pictures can be downloaded here: Play & Picnic 2026

Aqua Panthers Secure Top 10 Finish at FOBISIA Championships

The Aqua Panthers delivered an outstanding performance at the FOBISIA Division 2 Championships at Thanyapura last weekend. Competing against 25 teams and 565 swimmers from across Asia—including Japan, Malaysia, and China—our small but mighty squad of 22 athletes from across both campuses showed incredible focus and resilience. We are thrilled to announce that HeadStart finished 9th overall, a remarkable achievement for our first appearance at this prestigious meet.

Individual successes shone brightly, with Pavel (8 White Chaofah City) securing a tie for 2nd place High Point in the 12-year-old category and Charlie (12 White Chaofah City) taking 3rd overall in the competitive 16 & Over age group. Beyond the medals, the weekend was defined by personal bests and the courage to race against the region’s elite. We extend our gratitude to the parents and families whose support from the stands drove our swimmers to these new heights. Go Aqua Panthers! Coach Brown - Head Swim Coach

Panthers U16 Girls Finish Second at KIS Cup

Our Panthers U16 Girls team competed in the KIS Cup on Saturday and produced an outstanding performance to secure a hard-earned second-place finish. The team narrowly missed out on the title following a closely contested final against BISP.

Comprising a blend of players from our U13, U15 and U18 Girls Academy squads, our Panthers side displayed excellent teamwork and cohesion throughout the tournament. They played some impressive football, finishing as the tournament’s top-scoring team while also recording the highest number of clean sheets, including a dominant 6–0 victory in the semi-final. The girls
delivered an exceptional performance across the day, and their silver-medal finish was thoroughly deserved. Go Panthers! Coach Campbell - Football Coach

Good Luck at the BSL Bangkok International Girls Football Festival

Good luck to our Chaofah Panthers U16 Girls flying up to the BSL Bangkok International Girls Football Festival in Bangkok this weekend. Remember that teamwork, friendship and enjoyment are the keys to creating great memories! Go Panthers!

LAMDA Students Shine

The Secondary Hall at our Chaofah City Campus came alive on Wednesday 28th January, as many of our LAMDA students stepped into the spotlight. The evening was a brilliant display of vibrant energy, well-placed confidence and admirable stage presence, showcasing the incredible range of talent we have at the school. The audience was captivated by dynamic storytelling found in the acting pieces plus an expertly delivered thought-provoking speech. The Musical Theatre numbers added a wonderful energy to the evening, thoroughly delighting us all.

It was particularly special to see the cohesion of our growing “LAMDA family,” with pupils all the way from Year 3 through to Sixth Form taking to the stage. These courses are about more than performing; they instill vital presentation and communication abilities that benefit students well beyond the stage, preparing them for future academic and professional success. With this performance behind them, the focus now shifts to preparing for the summer examination series. We are confident that another round of excellent results is on the horizon!

An enormous well done to everyone who performed and the wonderful teaching team who supported them so expertly, Mr Joel Adams, Kru Nok, Mr Patrick Graham and Mr Josh O’Neill. We are incredibly proud of you all! Ms Howells - Director of CAPA

📸 A full gallery of pictures can be downloaded here: LAMDA Evening 2026

Sinking Ships & Speaking French: Year 8 Navigates the Past Tense!

Year 8 French students practised the past tense by playing a French version of Battleships, using full sentences to describe their holidays in order to score points. The game created a relaxed, fun atmosphere while still reinforcing accurate verb use, repetition, and sentence structure. As the lesson progressed, students became more confident, helped one another, and showed real resilience by learning from mistakes and trying again! Ms Rodts - French Teacher

Koh Lanta 2026: Year 7 Build Connections Across Campuses

Our recent Year 7 residential to Koh Lanta was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved as 101 students from our two campuses came together for three days of adventure, teamwork, and personal growth. The programme was packed with exciting activities, including snorkelling, long-tail boat rides, mangrove walking, and kayaking through the mangroves. Students also enjoyed a relaxing and fun-filled morning at the pool and beach, giving them time to unwind, connect with friends, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

What stood out most throughout the trip was the students themselves. They were a credit to their families, their teachers, and the school, demonstrating outstanding behaviour, maturity, and responsibility at all times. In particular, students truly embodied our learner attribute for the month - collaboration, working together, supporting one another, and building positive relationships across campuses with confidence and respect. Trips like this are more than just adventures; they are powerful opportunities for students to grow socially, emotionally, and personally. We are incredibly proud of every student who attended and the way they represented our school community.

📸 A full gallery of pictures can be downloaded here: Year 7 Residential 2026

Mangroves, Memories, and Teamwork: Year 8’s Phang Nga Adventure!

Our Year 8 students from both campuses recently embarked on an unforgettable journey through Phang Nga Bay, where the spirit of collaboration was at the heart of every discovery. From building clay mangrove models to exploring the Twin Caves and visiting James Bond Island, students worked together to uncover the secrets of Thailand’s vital ecosystems. Whether they were investigating the chemistry of limestone or learning about sustainable living from the Moken people, their shared curiosity and mutual support turned every experience into a collective adventure.

The trip culminated in a high-energy talent show that truly showcased the power of teamwork. Students joined forces for everything from interactive quizzes about their learning to hilarious wheelbarrow races and musical duets, proving that the strongest memories are made when working together. By the time they checked out—leaving their rooms spotless as a final team effort—it was clear that this residential was as much about building bonds as it was about exploring the environment. Well done, Year 8!

📸 A album of pictures can be downloaded here: Year 8 Residential 2026

From Bamboo Rafts to Elephant Care: Year 9’s Collaborative Northern Adventure

Our Year 9 students recently returned from an incredible residential trip to Chiang Mai, where the spirit of teamwork shone through every activity! From the serene heights of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to the hands-on conservation work at the Chang Elephant Care Centre, students worked side-by-side, supporting one another and demonstrating deep respect for Thailand’s rich culture. Whether they were navigating the lakeside on bicycles or participating in traditional Tai Lue music and dance, their ability to work as a unified team made every experience more meaningful.

The journey continued with a focus on teamwork and shared responsibility as the group trekked through the Mae Wang forest and navigated bamboo rafts. These challenges, along with the climb up the “Sticky Waterfalls,” required constant communication and mutual encouragement. By engaging thoughtfully with local Karen communities and collaborating on creative projects at the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park, Year 9 demonstrated remarkable maturity. They return home not just with new knowledge, but with stronger bonds and a true understanding of what it means to succeed together!

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: Year 9 Residential Chiang Mai

Paddling in Partnership: Year 10 Conquers Krabi for DofE Bronze!

Our Year 10 students recently took to the stunning waters of Krabi for their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze practice expedition, where the power of collaboration was on full display! Over three days of kayaking and camping, the two groups worked in total sync to master the waves. From navigating open water to managing kayak safety, the students relied on clear communication and collective resilience to reach their destinations, proving that they truly are “all in the same boat” when it comes to success.

The teamwork continued on land as students took full responsibility for their independence, working together to set up camp, prepare shared meals, and practice “Leave No Trace” principles. This expedition was a vital opportunity for our young leaders to support one another, share responsibilities, and build the confidence needed for their upcoming qualifying journey. We are incredibly proud of the maturity and unity they showed throughout this challenging adventure. Well done, Year 10!

A full gallery of pictures can be downloaded here: Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award 2026

HeadStart Students Shine

We are delighted to congratulate our students on their significant achievements in recent music and sports competitions, representing HeadStart with pride on both local and international stages!

• Rita (8 Blue) Two gold medals and three silver medals for ballet and modern dance competitions at the TDO International Dance Competition 2025.

• Hedy (2 White) KAILI Under 8 Champion Girl.

• Cayla (3 Yellow) Winner Class E Girl at the Singha-Krungthai Junior Golf Ranking 2025-2026.

• Kiwi (6 Blue) Diamond Medal Certificate in the Thailand English Skill Evaluation Test (TESET 2025) with a CEFR level of A2+ and ranked first among 2,803 students in the English pre-test examination at Phuket Wittayalai School.